Opinion

Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 10/28/2018

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2018

Well this was an interesting week in wrestling. The announcement that shook the wrestling world for serious human reasons, the handshake that sent tremors around the world reminiscent of Macho Man and Hulk Hogan, as well as, WWE’s first ever all female Pay-Per-View. So talk about a roller coaster, right?

Either way, we get another anomaly in the voting from last week. Regardless of how niche non-New Japan fans may be, we had kind of an upset. AJPW Triple Crown Match: Zeus (c) vs Kento Miyahara, won the vote last week. The voting was close and spread out among all 5 matches, so the more obscure match lucked out.

This week is much more straight forward, so let’s get to this one.

5. WWE Evolution NXT Women’s Title Match: Kairi Sane (c) vs Shayna Baszler

WWE Evolution Kairi Sane Shayna Baszler NXT Womens's Championship

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

This furious feud dates back to the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament. The Pirate Princess won that crystal trophy, but The Queen of Spades won the title first. Kairi would take the title from Shayna in their third meeting, but Shayna claims that was more her losing than Kairi winning. The fourth time around will prove who is the better woman as an NXT title is defended on a main roster PPV for the first time ever!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Shayna and Kairi circle, Shayna throws a kick. Kairi stays up, then lunges in. She gets a waistlock but Shayna tosses her off. They go again, and Shayna powers Kairi to a corner. Shayna grinds her forearm but backs off at 4. She trips Kairi up then eggs her own with her spade hands. Kairi ducks under Shayna to then kick her down! Kairi taunts back with the telescope hands. Shayna kicks but gets caught. Kairi kicks but Shayna avoids. Shayna goes for her hold but Kairi gets out. Kairi throws a hand but gets caught again. Kairi works against the sleeper, so Shayna grabs hair. Shayna whips but Kairi wheelbarrows to a stunner!

Fans fire up as Shayna staggers back. Kairi “swims”, to run in and hit the Sliding D! Kairi springboards for double stomps on the apron! Shayna tumbles down as she coughs for air. Kairi keeps on Shayna, but Shayna reverses. Shayna whips but Kairi jumps onto the steps. Kairi jumps over Shayna to hit a big palm strike. She runs in but Shayna blocks that Sliding D to drive Kairi into the steps! Shayna refreshes the count to put Kairi back in. Shayna storms over to Kairi and puts her in a hammerlock. She throws Kairi into buckles, then drives in a knee. She runs and slides to come back for another knee! Kairi is stunned, Shayna gut wrenches and slams her! Cover, TWO! Kairi grits her teeth as she crawls, but Shayna is on her again.

Shayna grabs the arm and begins the torture as she twists elbow, wrist and shoulder! Shayna hammerlocks the arm, to STOMP IT! Kairi clutches her arm as fans boo and jeer Bully Baszler. Shayna doesn’t care as she covers, ONE. Shayna keeps on Kairi, and has her in a seated double wristlock. Kairi endures as fans rally up. Kairi gets to her feet and rolls Shayna, TWO! Shayna ducks Kairi to get the arm again. Shayna has a mounted armbar, and moves around to twist it more and more. Kairi endures, but Shayna yanks back!! Kairi goes to the ropes, that arm could be worse than broken. Shayna toys with Kairi now, but Kairi gets mad. Kairi uses her good arm to throw a forearm, so Shayna throws one. Kairi gives another, Shayna gives another.

They go back and forth, but Shayna kicks the bad arm. Shayna runs, but Kairi gets her with a forearm. Kairi runs but Shayna gets her with a knee. Shayna runs, into a backhand! Both women fall but fans fire up! Fans chant “NXT! NXT!” as the referee counts. Kairi crawls over to Shayna, but not for a cover. Kairi goes after the legs with her Anchor Lock!! Shayna endures, slips around, and gets the bad arm! Shayna tweaks it quick and Kairi is down. Kairi writhes but Shayna is on her arm again. Kairi puts Shayna in a corner and fires off wild strikes! The referee backs her off, but Kairi just fires up more. Kairi whips but Shayna reverses. She blasts out for a SPEAR! The Interceptor hits its mark, but Kairi isn’t done. Kairi marches the plank, runs back in, another shoulder tackle! Then blockbuster! Cover, TWO!

Kairi isn’t done yet, she brings Shayna up and to a corner. She hoists Shayna up for the Alabama Slam! Shayna’s down, so Kairi climbs up! But Shayna knows this, and kicks Kairi on the way. She has a hangman’s armlock!! Shayna lets go at 4 to send Kairi tumbling to the floor. Shayna mocks the Pirate Princess before she fetches Kairi. She puts Kairi in, then waits for Kairi to get up. Shayna suplexes but Kairi turns it into a DDT! Kairi hurries up top to use that good elbow. But Shayna rolls out. Fans boot and jeer, but Kairi doesn’t care where Shayna goes. SUPER CROSSBODY!! Direct hit!

Fans fire up for Kairi throwing caution to the wind! But then Shayna throws Kairi into barriers. Shayna runs back in, but Kairi dumps her out onto the other MMA Four Horsewomen, Marina and Jessamyn! All three are wiped out, but Kairi isn’t done with Shayna yet. Kairi drags Shayna back over, but Jessamyn goes after her! Kairi back hands her! The champ puts challenger back in the ring, back in the drop zone, but then Marina rushes the ring! Marina gets kicked away, then rocked with a back hand. Shayna gets teh Kirafuda Klutch!! But Kaiir makes it a cover, TWO!! Kairi flounders but gets Shayna in a waistlock. Roll up, TWO! Into Jessamyn’s kick!? Kirafuda Klutch!! Kairi is stuck, flailing but fading! Kairi tries for a second wind, but she’s OUT!

Winner: Baszler via Kirifuda Clutch

Rating: ****

4. Impact World Heavyweight Championship Match: Johnny Impact (c) vs Fenix

Face versus face is a good way to get the fans to enjoy the first title defense. Fenix’s motivation simple, he’s held gold everywhere else he’s been, but not Impact. Since Johnny and he go back a bit, he obliges the title shot. So does Fenix ruin Johnny’s fresh reign, or do we get what we all mostly expect, an Impact victory?

The good sportsmanship is in full effect early on. A little posturing through lock ups and counters, but things don’t start to pick up until Fenix hits an Enzuigiri. We see a cradle transitioned into a submission, but nothing of real effect until Fenix hits the Super Frankensteiner for 2. Not to be out done, Johnny stops Fenix mid sprint and hits a Standing Spanish Fly for another near fall.

After a few strikes and pin attempts, Johnny goes for Countdown to Impact, misses, but hits Moonlight Drive for 2. Fenix lands some of his patented offense with Springboard Headbutts and Body Presses. He attempts the Fire Driver, but Johnny counters it with a Tornado DDT followed up with Starship Pain for the pinfall. Solid match that showed what both can do.

The OGz attack Fenix afterwards and Pentagon shows up to chase them off. This could set up a good title picture for the Tag Titles. If the Lucha Bros take out the OGz, Lucha Bros versus LAX should be impressive.

Winner: Impact via Starship Pain

Rating: ****

3. 205 Live Falls Count Anywhere Match: Mustafa Ali vs Hideo Itami

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

The Heart of 205 Live and the Innovator of the GTS look to finally settle the score between each other. There will be no count outs, so there will be no boundaries to where they can go. Where in the arena will this match end? And will this match really end the war between Ali and Itami?

The bell rings and Ali stares down and talks trash with Itami. Ali says he’ll show Itami what respect is. They tie up and go around, but Itami fires off a strike fest! Itami then boots Ali right out of the ring! Itami says “Respect me!” but fans boo and jeer instead. Ali gets up and shoulders back in. Ali slingshots and speeds things up to then hit a big huricanrana! Itami bails out but Ali slingshots onto him! It’s a cover, ONE! Ali brings Itami up but Itami shoves him away. Ali stalks Itami to the barriers, and keeps him from getting into the crowd. Itami hits Ali back and goes to bounce him off steps but Ali stops that. Ali hits Itami back and then bounces Itami off steel steps! Fans fire up with Ali as he drags Itami back up.

Ali puts Itami into the ring, then gives him a chop in the corner. He gives another chop, then whips Itami corner to corner. Itami reverses, but Ali goes up and over. Ali runs back in but is put on the apron. Ali jumps up but Itami roundhouses him down! He bounces off the apron face first! Itami covers quickly, TWO! Itami is frustrated already, but he’s only just begun. He stomps Ali and fans chant “We Want Tables!” Itami instead puts Ali into barriers! Itami drags Ali into the ring, and stalks Ali to ropes. He whips Ali and knocks him down with the kitchen sink knee. Itami aims and kicks Ali in the rings! Cover, TWO! Itami glares as he kicks Ali in the back. He demands respect and kicks Ali again. Cover, TWO!

Itami drags Ali up into a chinlock, and he grinds Ali down into the mat. Fans rally up and Ali feeds off the energy. Ali gets up and fights out of the hold, but Itami throws him down by his hair. Itami stalks Ali to the ropes and stomps away. He stands Ali up for a kick, then whips him again. Ali sees the knee coming, rolls Itami up and then kicks, SUPERKICKS and then SUPERKICKS to the back of Itami’s head! Itami goes down but Ali does, too! Ali stirs as fans rally up. He and Itami go to opposite corners. Itami runs in, but Ali slips out to swing kick back! Ali rolls in for the facebuster! Cover, TWO! Itami rolls away but going outside won’t matter. Ali goes out and then runs at Itami, but is put into the timekeeper’s area.

Ali hits Itami back, then uses the barriers as a springboard, only for Itami to trip him up! The Beacon crashes and burns while Itami demands respect. Fans boo and jeer instead. Itami goes back to fetch Ali, but Ali springboards off the barriers! Ali throws fast hands, then throws Itami across the announce desk! Ali hears the fans, and clears off the table! He drags Itami up and over, and climbs on top of the announce desk with him. Ali prepares something but Itami gets a leg takedown! Itami stands on Ali’s head as he pulls on the leg in a half crab! Ali endures, fights out, and stands up. Itami boots Ali off the table and into the back of an arm chair! Cover, TWO!! Ali lives and Itami is furious. Itami drags Ali up and tosses him out into the crowd.

Itami grins as he follows, but Ali SUPERKICKS outta nowhere! Cover, TWO! Ali is sore and frustrated, but he brings Itami up. He tosses Itami back to ringside, but Itami roundhouses him off the barrier! Itami stalks Ali and gives him knees before putting him into steel steps. Itami pulls the steps apart, even tho his own back is hurting. He pushes the small half aside to bring the big base around. Ali gets him first and the two brawl towards the ramp. Itami hits Ali back to give him a back suplex, but Ali slips out, only for Itami to flip him over with a lariat! Cover, TWO! Itami glares as he drags Ali back to the ring. They go inside, but Itami still wants to use those steps. He climbs the corner and drags Ali up to join him.

Itami wants something dangerous and Ali knows it! Ali knocks Itami away, but then climbs up, to crossbody! He hits Itami off the steps to the floor, covers, TWO!! Ali can’t believe that Itami survives, but fans are loving this. Ali gets up and starts looking under the ring. He brings out a genuine table! Fans love the look of this, but then Itami boots Ali down on the run! Itami throws Ali down and kicks him as he goes to the other steel steps. Itami drags them around to the side, but then Ali forearms him. Ali runs up the steps but Itami sweeps the legs! Ali hits the steps stomach first! And then Itami brings the other steps around. He’s working on something truly sadistic as he stands the steps up. Itami demands Ali “Respect me!” and slams the steel steps like a vice!

But Ali narrowly avoids certain disaster! Ali chops Itami right off his feet, then whips him at the steps. Itami reverses, Ali uses the steps as a ramp, and jumps at Itami for the tornado DDT! But he doesn’t cover here, he goes back to the table! Fans cheer as he stands it up. Ali brings Itami over and sets him on the wood. Ali climbs up to the very top, aims at Itami, and tells Itami “I always respected you,” before he LEAPS! 450 through the table!! Cover, Ali wins!!

Winner: Ali via 450 Splash

Rating: ****

Honorable Mentions

NJPW Super Jr Tag League: BUSHI & Shingo Takagi vs El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Winner: Desperado via Unmask Rollup
Rating: ****
Lucha Underground Seven to Survive Match: Big Bad Steve vs Dante Fox vs King Cuerno vs Jake Strong vs Aerostar vs PJ Black vs Hernandez
Winner: Jake Strong
Rating: *** 3/4
NJPW Super Jr Tag League: BUSHI & Shingo Takagi vs Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles
Winner: BUSHI via Tandem Wheelbarrow/Codebreaker
Rating: *** 3/4
NJPW: Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero, Trent Barreta, Chuckie T & Hirooki Goto vs Jay White, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Bad Luck Fale & Gedo
Winner: White via Blade Runner
Rating: *** 1/2
NXT UK: Tyler Bate vs Wolfgang
Winner: Bate via Tyler Driver ’97
Rating: *** 1/2
NJPW Super Jr Tag League: ACH & Ryusuke Taguchi vs SHO & YOH
Winner: Taguchi via Half and Half Suplex
Rating: *** 1/2
WWE Evolution MYC Finals: Toni Storm vs Io Shirai
Winner: Toni via Storm Zero
Rating: *** 1/4
NJPW Super Jr Tag League: Kushida & Chris Sabin vs Robbie Eagles & Taiji Ishimori
Winner: Ishimori via Bloody Cross
Rating: *** 1/4
NJPW Super Jr Tag League: Kushida & Chris Sabin vs Tiger Mask & Jushin Thunder Liger
Winner: Kushida via Outatime
Rating: *** 1/4
WWE Evolution Raw Women’s Title Match: Ronda Rousey (c) vs Nikki Bella
Winner: Rousey via Armbar
Rating: ***
NJPW Super Jr Tag League: Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs ACH & Ryusuke Taguchi
Winner: Taguchi via Cradle
Rating: ***
(Purely on the list for the spectacle of it all)Stardom World Championship NO DQ Match: Kagetsu (c) vs Hana Kimura
Winner: Kagetsu via Triangled Kimura Lock
Rating: **

2. Stardom Wonder of Stardom Championship Match: Mayu Iwatani vs Momo Watanabe (c)

There’s a good bit of recent history, but things go much deeper between these two. Mayu being the Icon of Stardom that she is, Momo was always considered like a “little one”. Momo’s gotten much better last year or so and Mayu is regaining her footing since her return to Stardom. They drew in the 5 Star Grand Prix, had words, and you can tell there’s definitely a lot to prove from both. Will Momo-chan over take the Icon? Will Mayu put the kohai in her place?

As soon as the bell rings they fly at each other. They exchange forearms in the middle of the ring, push each other into corners and the beatings continue. You can tell both women had something to prove purely from their body language. Momo would sink in submissions too long and need to get counted off, while Mayu would almost pose as she was finishing a few moves. The way she’d just pander to the crowd, showed disrespect to Momo, and it helped fire her up.

Hell, at one point they took turns knocking the other down and spitting water on the downed opponent. It was a weird game of one upmanship and learning one another’s place in the current landscape of Stardom.

Mayu enlisted the help of new wrestler Rina to apply the Paradise Lock to Momo on the bottom rope, while she distracted the referee. As I already mentioned Momo had numerous moments of not letting go of holds even after Mayu grabbed the rope for the break. So this definitely had the vibe of a grudge match, confined mostly within the rules of a normal match.

Mayu hits a big Crossbody to the outside, rolls Momo in for her Dragon Suplex Hold, but Momo kinda falls out of the hold, thus kicking out. Mayu visibly frustrated tries to set up for a Moonsault, but Momo gets up, runs underneath the move and goes into her last gasp offense. A Half and Half Suplex, into not one, but two Peach Sunrises, the last she holds on for the pinfall victory.

Little Momo-chan has finally gotten strong enough to beat the Icon of Stardom. Now Mayu has a chance against Kagetsu for the World Title, because she won the 5 Star Grand Prix. But one has to think that if Kagetsu retains, Momo would have a strong case to challenge.

Winner: Momo via Peach Sunrise

Rating: **** 1/4

1. WWE Evolution SmackDown Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs Charlotte

WWE Evolution Becky Lynch Charlotte Flair Smackdown Womens's Championship Last Woman Standing

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

The Lass Kicker and Queen of Flair were friends, but the problem there is that there could only be one champion. Becky wanted the title back so badly, that when her “best friend” took it away right in front of her, she snapped! The now Relent-Lass Straight Fire burned down bridges, and now wants to make Charlotte burn. Charlotte is willing to return that fire, but only one woman can be left standing. Who will walk away from this historic event having won a title, but lost a friend forever?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Becky points out how the fans are on her side. Charlotte shrugs that off, and we begin! Fans do not slow down in chanting for Becky as she and Charlotte circle. They rush each other. Charlotte dodges but Becky evades. Charlotte blocks but Becky evades again. Becky shoves Charlotte but Charlotte shoves her back! Charlotte struts as Becky is counted! Becky scrambles up and clotheslines Charlotte down. The ref counts but Charlotte kips up. The two stare down and rush each other. Charlotte gets the takedown but Becky pushes her away. Becky comes back with forearms! Becky drops a leg, mocks the strut before dropping an elbow, then drops another leg.

The ref counts and Becky swaggers about. Charlotte gets up but Becky is on her with EuroUppers. Charlotte counters to hit the neckbreaker! Becky reverses the whip but runs into a shoulder. Charlotte hurries to the top rope, but Becky stops her. Becky throws Charlotte down! The count begins but Charlotte is up at 4. Becky is on her again with the Becksploder! Charlotte is in a corner with the new count. She’s up at 3, and goes to boot Becky. Becky counters with a EuroUpper, then climbs up to leap. Charlotte dodges and boots Becky down! Becky is under the count now, but she gets up at 4. Fans duel now as Charlotte runs in. Becky bumps her off buckles but Charlotte gets up. Becky throws her all the way out and has the ref count. Charlotte uses the announce desk for help and gets up at 4.

Becky decides to look under the ring, and has a kendo stick! Becky SMACKS away on Charlotte with the bamboo! Charlotte goes writhing but Becky pursues and SMACKS her more. Charlotte blocks a swing, but Becky kicks her down. Becky bumps Charlotte off the apron edge, then goes looking for other things. Fans say “We Want Tables!” but Becky finds chairs first. Becky brings one of those out, but Charlotte tosses some into the ring. Becky does the same, so Charlotte raises the stakes. Both women throw in more chairs, raising the ante. Fans chant “E C Dub!” as chair after chair is put in the ring. All the chairs are in the ring, so Charlotte brings out a table! Becky stops that as she hits her with a flying forearm! Becky stalks Charlotte as she crawls. Charlotte gets Becky with her own exploder!

Becky is down for the count, but gets up at 5. She grabs a chair from the ring, and SMACKS Charlotte while she’s setting up the table! Becky jabs Charlotte with it, then SMACKS her again! Becky drags Charlotte around while fans chant “You Deserve It!” They go into the ring, and Charlotte is being counted again. Becky watches as Charlotte gets up at 5. She throws Charlotte onto the chair pile! Charlotte is being counted, but Becky makes a new chair pile. Charlotte is up at 6, so Becky brings her around! Becky wants the exploder but Charlotte fights her off. Charlotte gives Becky a back suplex on the chair pile! Becky and Charlotte are both down but Charlotte is stirring. Charlotte stands at 7 as she rolls out. Becky drags herself up at 8, but flounders.

Charlotte goes for another table! She sets a table in the ring, but then Becky hits a jump kick! Charlotte goes down and Becky sets up the table. Charlotte stands at 5 thanks to the announce desk. Becky finishes with the table but sees Charlotte coming. She back kicks, then urenages Charlotte on those chairs! The count returns, and Charlotte stirs but clutches her neck. Charlotte slowly stands and makes it at 8, so Becky goes after her again. Becky bumps Charlotte off the table to then put her on the table. Becky climbs up now, but Charlotte stops her! Charlotte stomps away on Becky, then puts her on the table. She clubs away on Becky with forearm after forearm. Charlotte then staggers her way over to the corner and climbs up. Charlotte moonsaults, on Becky! The table does NOT break!!

Both women are down, but Charlotte is up first. Charlotte sets that table back up, but Becky flounders over. Charlotte bounces Becky off the wood, then puts her back on. The Queen climbs up again, for a swanton! This time the table breaks! But both women are down again, and the count begins. The count passes 5 as they both sit up. It reaches 8 as Charlotte and Becky scramble up, to stand at 9! Becky flops back down while Charlotte slumps out of the ring. Charlotte drags out a LADDER! And she puts it in the ring. This unofficially becomes a TLC match now. Becky clobbers Charlotte, the ladder manages to stay up. Becky pushes it down then drags it over. She goes back to Charlotte as fans declare “This is Awesome!”

Becky scoop slams Charlotte on the ladder! Charlotte is down and the count begins. She manages to stand at 6, so Becky gets her again. Charlotte slips out and chop blocks! She kicks away on the leg, drags Becky over, and laces it through the ladder… Charlotte stomps the legs, then re-laces the legs, for the Figure Four! And FIGURE EIGHT! Becky taps but that doesn’t matter, this is a Last Woman Standing! Becky endures the torture, but grabs a chair. She smacks Charlotte’s legs, and gets free. The count returns but can Becky stand with bad legs? The count passes 5 as Charlotte gets up. Becky rolls out to stop the count, but those legs are not doing well. Charlotte goes out to follow Becky, but Becky shoves her into the steps!

A new count begins as Charlotte clutches an arm and Becky clutches her legs. Becky shouts “Stay down!” but Charlotte refuses. So Becky shoves her into a post! Charlotte’s down again while Becky props herself up. The count restarts and climbs past 5 again. Charlotte manages to get up but Becky’s leaving with the belt! Charlotte chases her down and chops her in front of the fans! Chop after chop but Becky throws forearms now. They go back and forth, Becky staggering on one good leg. Charlotte keeps giving chops so Becky keeps giving forearms. Charlotte gets an edge, Becky flops around on noodle legs. They go back to the ring as Charlotte tosses Becky over the barrier. Charlotte clears off the announce desk! She drags Becky over to bounce her off another desk.

Charlotte kicks Becky while she’s down, then drags out a new ladder! Charlotte sets it up by the announce desk, and fans anticipate what she’s planning. Becky does, too, and hits Charlotte with the title belt! Becky drags Charlotte over now, and bounces her off the desk. She sets Charlotte on the table, positions the ladder, and climbs. Becky aims, leaps, SUPER leg drop through the desk!! Both women are down but fans are losing their minds! Becky gets up at 7, but Charlotte is slower. Charlotte still gets up at 8, so Becky boots her down! Becky rains down rights, then bounces her off the floor. Becky buries Charlotte in arm chairs, even taking Renee Young’s. She uses the chairs from the ring, too, and then what’s left of one of the tables.

A count begins, and Becky is confident she’s won. The count passes 6 as Charlotte stirs, and she emerges at 9!? Charlotte glares at Becky, she’s like something from a horror movie in Becky’s eyes. Becky runs but Charlotte chases her and SMACKS her with that kendo stick! Becky flounders, into Charlotte’s SPEAR! Both women are down again, and a new count begins. Charlotte doesn’t wait for the count, she drags Becky around. She still has the table from earlier to use, so she stands it up. Charlotte drags Becky back up and bounces her off wood. She puts Becky on the table, and begins a new climb.

Charlotte reaches the top rope and aims for the table, but Becky gets up! Becky SUPER BOMBS Charlotte THROUGH THE TABLE!! Fans are thunderous as the count returns. The count passes 5 but Charlotte somehow stirs. It reaches 7, then 9… Charlotte’s still on all fours, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky via Powerbomb through table

Rating: **** 1/2

Thoughts:

Though I have my own issues with the Becky vs Charlotte match, it was still the best match of the week. So I’m not gonna sit around making excuses for anything else. I’m going with the number 1 ranked match, Becky vs Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Title.

Also, god dammit, stupid Dodgers. Two years in a row, you get to the World Series just to shit the bed. I mean really, damn.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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WWE Week In Review: October 22-28, 2018

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Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2024

Greg DeMarco

John Cena Last Match Randy Orton WWE WrestleMania 41

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

John Cena recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, the Monday after his surprise (but mostly expected) WrestleMania 40 appearance during Cody Rhodes’ win over Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. During that appearance, he confirmed what many expect, that he is nearly done with his in-ring career. But Cena even tossed out the idea of a time-frame, detailing that his acting schedule will likely take him through Christmas, and maybe Hollywood could “pump the brakes” to allow for one final run.

That run could easily begin at the Royal Rumble with a surprise entrance (or entering himself via TV appearances as part of the build), with a tease for his 17th world title win before finally settling in on his final match.

Fantasy booking and storytelling aside, the goal here is the final match–more specifically the final opponent. With a John Cena, you’ve got a ton of options. As such, it’s hard to narrow it down to 5, and one of your favorites is likely missing–be warned!

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

Honorable Mentions:

The Miz – A feud with John Cena gave The Mix a WrestleMania 27 main event–and a WrestleMania main event victory on top of it. Miz has been receiving more love than ever lately, and a match with John Cena would not be misplaced. Maybe he can use their WrestleMania 33 contest (and Cena’s personal aftermath) as fodder for it, too.
AJ Styles – The man who once made it popular to “BEAT UP JOHN CENA” is also nearing the end of his run, and could be the one candidate on this list that could realistically give us a double-retirement match. He would also be the guy who retired both The Undertaker and John Cena (and would probably end up being the guy who lost in both).
The Rock or Cody Rhodes – Both great options, but you have to figure their dance card for WrestleMania 41 is already full, potentially standing across the ring from one another. Either is an amazing option (including “Thrice In A Lifetime”), but I just don’t think it’s in the cards.
Trick Williams – Potentially a surprising addition to the Honorable Mentions, but the comparisons are there in terms of in-ring style/ability, promo skills, and the interplay they had in NXT (remember, it was Cena who is credited with encouraging Trick to not be afraid to go for it himself despite his relationship with Carmelo Hayes).

5. CM Punk

The fifth spot on this list was nearly interchangeable between several of the honorable mention names, but it really came down to Punk and Seth Rollins for me (with a hint of AJ Styles). The 2011 feud between CM Punk and John Cena was legendary, and is a moment that will forever be seen by me as the one that truly cemented CM Punk as a member of the growing list of all-time greats in WWE.

Punk is uniquely qualified for this match as he would make it mean more than a showboat for John Cena’s career and final match. It’s entirely believable that CM Punk would want to put John Cena’s career into the ground, and WWE has the video archive to support it.

Despite being #5, this could actually be a dark-horse for the match we get, and I can’t see anyone reasonably being upset about that.

4. Roman Reigns

John Cena and Roman Reigns have had two separate legendary programs. the first saw Cena, at times, embarrass Roman in promo exchanges in a feud that took place in the “pre-Tribal Chief” era. The second is more fresh and likely more memorable, as John Cena put Roman Reigns over in a football stadium in Las Vegas at SummerSlam (although it might be more remembered for the return of Brock Lesnar).

Reigns, a legend himself at his point (he’s featured alongside Steve Austin at the top of the “Forever” portion of the Then/Now/Forever/Together video that recently debuted) would provide a pairing akin to The Undertaker serving as Shawn Michaels’ retirement opponent at WrestleMania 26 9notice I didn’t say “final opponent). The end of Roman’s 1316 day world title reign has brought about a new appreciation for Reigns, which would further enhance this pairing at WrestleMania 41.

3. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker is the picture-perfect definition of a juggernaut in WWE, a fast rising star who almost seems like a lock to main event WrestleMania one day (you never know–Seth Rollins JUST got his first WrestleMania main event last weekend). Breakker recently said farewell NXT as the natural in-ring competitor makes a transition to full-time main roster competition.

Breakker also fits the category of who “needs it.” Bring the man to retire John Cena would be quite the feather in the cap of Breakker’s early career, and would give him a moment that would be relived for generations to come. The only question mark is WWE “trusting” Breakker with this moment, as a sudden change of character could mean that Cena’s final match wouldn’t be seen or discussed as much. Breakker, to me, has given no reason for anyone to suspect that might happen, regardless of any controversies his father and uncle have been linked to.

2. R-Truth

Despite being 5-years older than John Cena, and making his in-ring debut in the same year (1999), R-Truth’s childhood hero hanging up the boots will undoubtedly be a hard-hitting moment for the man who has basically become the WWE Mascot. Truth emulating Cena in his matches, and of course the RawAfterMania moment with Cena, Truth, and The Miz hitting a Fifteen Knuckle Shuffle (thank you, Michael Cole) on The Judgment Day makes this a near can’t miss final match for both John Cena and the WWE Universe.

R-Truth himself is equally deserving of this match, as it would be a reward for all of his years in the ring as part of a career that seems age defying while proving that age is not only a number, but also a number that can be ignored (see Child Hero, John Cena).

While a rematch of their 2011 WWE Capital Punishment main event is an unlikely WrestleMania 41 match-up, it’s one I believe everyone would love to see.

1. Randy Orton

I mean, is there anyone more perfect? John Cena and Randy were inseparably linked for a good portion of their careers, and have shared the ring more times than Big Show has turned babyface/heel. Both are far into legendary status at this point, and Orton specifically is obviously focused on enjoying this stage of his career.

But Orton is still delivering great performances inside the ring, too.

Randy Orton vs John Cena was an exciting proposition many years ago, became a punchline for WWE booking a few years ago, but is now coming full circle as the perfect match-up to end the amazing career of John Cena. It has my vote, and should have yours, too.

Even if R-Truth would be the most fun option.

What say you? Who is the best candidate to stand across the ring from John Cena in his final WWE match, potentially at WrestleMania 41? Who did I leave out?

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WrestleMania 40 Saturday Results & Review

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

Published

2 weeks ago

April 8, 2024

Greg DeMarco

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

It all comes down to this–at least for the first night! A loaded card in front of a packed house, and I’d expect everyone to deliver one hell of a performance.

Women’s World Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Rhea Ripley retains

In my opinion, this match should be the main event of Night 1, but The Rock is back and that was going to take precedence (even if I disagree). Becky won this title shot at the Elimination Chamber, even though they were already building the feud before that event in Perth. Ripley herself main evented that event in a stadium, defeating Nia Jax.

It was revealed during her entrance that this is Becky Lynch’s “Flu Game,” as she has temperatures as high as 102 degrees throughout the week.
Rhea Ripley enters to a life performance of her entrance theme, which you can tell she dug.
Prime logo is center ring, just the black outline with “Prime” in the middle, and it is not at all bothersome. I can’t believe people made such a big deal out of bitching about that.
The stage looks dope, not at all “too small” as some had said. The whole environment looks great, honestly.
Rhea Ripley has been dealing with a wrist injury. She said on the Pat McAfee Show she didn’t expect to work with the wrist brace on tonight, but there it is.
Corey Graves points out that Becky’s training was likely impacted by her illness, and Pat McAfee scoffs at him for stating the obvious. I hope that isn’t what we get all night.
Commentary notes that is is 52 degrees and windy in the stadium, and I am reminded of Nick Khan’s comments about moving an outdoor WrestleMania to late April in the future, if they don’t get an indoor building (he did say “2026” when talking about that, which likely means the 2025 venue is indeed set).
Rhea’s Prism Trap is a fell of a submission finisher. Add in the body lock the way she did, and it’s even more impressive.
I just noticed the “Prime” turnbuckle pads and it’s…weird. I just didn’t expect it and can’t think of the last time we didn’t have the WWE/WWF logo on the buckles outside of Black and Gold NXT. WrestleMania 2?
I am also noticing that Dude Wipes seems to have sponsored the ring posts. Kudos to WWE (and the wrestling industry behind them) for being so damn desirable to sponsors!
That combo to get into the Riptide was fantastic–and the kickout was even better.
During the DisarmHer you can clearly see the commentary position, and Michael Cole is legit reclined all the way back. Love it–Cole is living his best life.
Rhea’s Riptide into the buckle before the proper Riptide was pretty sweet as well. Made Becky look insanely strong in defeat.

Winner via pinfall AND STILL your Women’s World Champion: Rhea Ripley

Hell of an opener, and if you didn’t know Becky was sick, you wouldn’t have known. Props to them both. That would have satisfied as a main event, but can now go down as one of the best openers in WrestleMania history.

Ladder Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships and Smackdown Tag Team Championships – DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. A Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Awesome Truth (Raw titles) and A-Town Down Under (SmackDown)

As many expected, the belts are hanging separately, meaning we are most likely splitting the tag titles here. Triple H and company have put some serious work into building up the tag team divisions of both brands, and even though I expect the two winners to not be actual “teams,” but either way I actually like the way they didn’t make a big deal out of splitting the titles up, they’re just doing it. They have been defended separately since being unified, albeit rarely.

R-Truth makes a joke about DIY being DX and that’s now taken off. I love it.
The Miz is very under appreciated. Can literally do anything.
Someone is struggling with the “Titan Tron” videos tonight.
Not gonna lie, I am the biggest Pat McAfee fan, but he’s actually quite annoying right now.
Sign of the night: SANTA DESERVED IT.
Lots of green in this match, half of the teams wearing their “WrestleMania Green” gear.
Also, loving the Consequences Creed gear for Woods.
God Bless Finn Balor for taking that Airplane Spin into the ladder.
205 combined years of experience in this match. That’s an average of 17 years (Waller has the least with 7, Balor and Miz are tied for the most with 23).
“Dunne Mountain?!?!” Thank you Michael Cole for fixing that.
HOT TAG TO R-TRUTH!
Poor Finn Balor, not he takes the AA to the ladder after John Cena’s Five Moves Of Doom
R-TRUTH WITH THE PIN!
Hilarious.
A-Town Down Under gets the SmackDown tag titles!
And Grayson gets tossed through a ladder, still holding a title!
The match does continue until the Raw tag titles are also retrieved.
If Theory also got the Raw tag titles down, I will laugh my ass off.
Birminghammer is a fantastic name for a tandem (somewhat) Burning Hammer.
Tornado DDT through a table!
Air Raid Crash from the ladder!
And we still have more tables set-up.
JD McDonagh trying to get Finn–who has taken a beating–to get the Raw tag titles.
McDonagh through the tables!
PERFECTLY placed Razor’s Edge onto that chair.
Dude, that ladder is trashed. (And very unsafe.)
AA sends Damian outside!
I think everyone wants R-Truth to get this. EVERYONE.
YES!

Winners via belt retrieval, AND NEW:

SmackDown Tag Team Champions – Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
Raw Tag Team Champions – R-Truth & The Miz

Really good Ladder Match, but it’s hard to have a bad one. The tag team titles are split and it was really well done. It made perfect sense to do it that way, not make a big deal out of it and just let it happen. I am excited to see both teams win–not because I picked both, but because I think one team (Waller/Theory) have amazing futures and the other (Miz/Truth) will be a lot of fun, even if their run will probably be short lived.

Santos Escobar (with Legado Del Fantasma members Angel, Humberto, & Elektra Lopez) & Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio & Andrade (with The LWO members Carlito, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, & Zelina Vega

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Dominik and Santos win, giving Dominik “revenge” for his loss at WrestleMania 39.

Look, this match doesn’t make a lick of sense–Dominik shows up two weeks ago and finds his way into another WrestleMania match with Rey? Definitely shoehorned. But Dominik is outstanding, so if this gets him on the card, I’ll take it.

More green in this match, and I am here for it.
Innovative Double Cross Body by Rey & Andrade.
Dominik showing experience beyond his years, making sure the ref sees his tag with Santos.
At this moment, I am wondering who turns–Carlito or Andrade. Gotta assume it’s one of them.
Three matches in and I don’t even notice the Primo logo in the center of the ring or on the turnbuckle pads.
Santos Escobar trying to unmask Rey Mysterio, as if we don’t all have Google.
Corey Graves making a great point about Rey taking some responsibility for the issues in his life, and Michael Cole immediately dismissing it.
It’s so hard to do a really good Dragon Screw Leg Whip, and Andrade (along with Dominik and Santos) just pulled off two to perfection.
Camera shot of Rey’s cross body shows the heaters above the ring. Good–keep ’em warm!
This could have easily been an 8-man tag team match. Maybe we get that Monday on Raw (which can also be where the turn happens, making my prediction here likely wrong).
Joaquin Wilde gets to do his NXT spot at WrestleMania, and that’s probably more important than officially being in the match.
Two masked men–definitely the Kelce Brothers–are here.
My bad, it was Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Good call, honestly. Great pop for them, too.
Looking at the reply, Dominik sold that ringpost spot like a champ.

Winners via pinfall (Rey on Santos): Rey Mysterio & Andrade

Fun tag team match that served its purpose. Needed? Maybe not, as I really wanted to get Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax onto this card. But when you can get Rey & Dominik on the card, everyone will be happy. and of course the Jason Kelce & Lane Johnson appearances.

Brother vs Brother: Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Jimmy Uso follows in the footsteps of Owen Hart and Matt Hardy and beats the “more talented brother.”

They’ve wanted this match all their lives–and the preview video was insane. Very well done.

Jey in the WrestleMania whites tonight.
And we get a hot start to the match!
“Big Brother Jimmy” is always a fun thing to hear.
More Dude Wipes sponsorship on this one–you have to wonder if having Dude Wipes on the posts for the opener was in error.
Superkicks. Lots of Superkicks.
Very enjoyable YEET/NO chants from the crowd.
Jey just kicking the hell out of Jimmy, including a Jumping Super Kick.
This has “Fight Without Honor” feels from old school ROH, where the winners have respect after. We will definitely see these guys together again.
Jimmy apologizing to Jey. Crowd is not buying it.
Of course it was BS, and Jimmy gains the advantage.
SPEAR. USO SPLASH. DONE.

Winner, via pinfall: Jey Uso

Jey breaks the babyface curse by beating his heel brother. Thought we might get an embrace between them, instead we faded out. A good match that was more about the story than the in-ring action. I can see some feeling like this hasn’t “lived up to expectations” because of the high expectations you’d have for an Usos match. Their best work will always be as a team, but I know this is a lifelong dream come true for both.

As for all the Superkicks, I mean….it’s an Usos match.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match – Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, & Kairi Sane) vs. Naomi, Bianca Belair, & Jade Cargill

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Bianca, Naomi, & Jade win when Jade scores the pin (probably on Kairi, who always seems to eat the fall)

This match is all about getting Bianca Belair on the card (she had to be), and Jade Cargill’s debut. It also got Damage CTRL on the card, which they truly deserve–even if it is to lose.

Respectfully, Dakota Kai. (Good thing the ring and surrounding area is heated)
Not gonna lie, Jade looks nervous. But this is a six-woman tag, and her portion is likely highly choreographed. Gonna be all good.
As I watch and enjoy the match (but am not typing much lol), this seems like a match where we’re all just waiting for Jade to come in and win.
No one has told Jade about the tag ropes yet, apparently.
And now Jade is in, and Damage CTRL makes her look like a million bucks.
Dakota Kai nicely gets herself into position for the finish, and Jade gets her WrestleMania win.

Winners via pinfall (Jade on Dakota): Jade Cargill, Naomi, & Bianca Belair

We knew what this one was about going into it, and that’s what it should have been. Jade still ain’t ready. I know it might be an “ego hit” for her to go to NXT, but she needs it. If Giulia can go to NXT, so can Jade.

Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn vs. GUNTHER (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Sami Zayn pulls off the major upset and is the one to dethrone Gunther

Gunther has had a stranglehold on the Intercontinental Championship, defending it like crazy in 2023 but slowing that down here in 2024. It’s not fair to say he’s outgrown the title, but that might actually be the case. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens with Imperium leading up to the draft, and at the WWE Draft itself.

Sami Zayn was the perfect wrestler to have their journey form backstage to the ring followed by the cameras. From his family to Chad Gable to Kevin Owens, it was all so perfect–maybe too perfect? (Not in that someone will screw him, but in that it might be too heavily foreshadowing his win?)
Gunther looked oddly nervous standing on that stage.
You know, the Intercontinental Championship is basically a third world title at this point. And we could see the end of a legendary reign. I think this deserved the Samantha Irvin In-Ring Introductions (aka “Japan Style”) treatment.
Gunther is smiling confidently now, we’re good.
Crowd is ON FIRE for these guys (and evenly split with their chants for each guy).
This is the 21st time the Intercontinental championship is defended at WrestleMania, and it makes you wonder what in the hell they were thinking for the other 11.
Looks like Dude Wipes is back on the ringpost!
Hell of a nearfall, followed up by a Helluva Kick from Gunthcr, and one from Sami!
That finish….AMAZING.

Winner via pinfall, AND NEW Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn

The athletes… the moments… the storytelling… professional wrestling is such a beautiful business. Sami Zayn’s win over Gunther was everything I had hoped it would be when I picked Sami to win. Absolutely beautiful.

Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Seth & Cody get the win after tons of interference and surprise appearances, making Roman vs Cody on Sunday a match where The Bloodline is banned from ringside.

So much involved in this one. As you know, If Rock & Roman win, Sunday’s WWE Championship match will be held under Bloodline Roles. If Seth & Cody win, then that mach will see ZERO Bloodline involvement. Personally, if Cody is winning the title, I’d rather it be straight up. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I am wrong.

Honestly, after the introductions, I realized I was just watching!
This was very much Steve Austin vs The Rock inspired, with them fighting all over the stadium, and pushing the envelope.
I loved The Rock basically neutering the referee–normally I hate that, but here it works.
That finish and the condition of Rollins both lay perfectly into night 2, I would imagine.

Winners via Rock pinfall on Rhodes: The Rock & Roman Reigns

Per rule, Sunday’s main event will now be Bloodline Rules. And given that, my prediction of Roman retaining might be harder to pull off. This was a good return for The Rock, and perfectly played into the whole story. Job well done.

Greg DeMarco’s Overall Thoughts for WWE WrestleMania XL, Saturday (Night 1)

in a vacuum, this was highly enjoyable show. Night 2 might end up being legendary if both Bayley and Rhodes win, and it could overshadow Night 1. But the scene was fantastic, production was top notch as always, and the fans went home having enjoyed one for the ages. The Triple H Era s well underway, and will likely kick into a higher gear with Night 2.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!